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Tanzania Sets to Host Commonwealth Law Ministers Meeting- Scotland
Tanzania Sets to Host Commonwealth Law Ministers Meeting- Scotland
By: Michael Mike
The United Republic of Tanzania is all set to welcome ministers and attorneys-general to the Commonwealth Law Ministers Meeting, which will open in Zanzibar on 4 March 2024, the Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, has said in a statement.
The statement issued on Tuesday disclosed that the meeting is held every two years, adding that the meeting of law ministers is a leading platform for collaboration among the 56 Commonwealth countries, which share a common legal tradition.
The theme of this year’s meeting is ‘Technology and Innovation: How digitalisation paves the way for the development of people-centred access to justice.’
Under this theme, according to the statement, law ministers will examine ethical ways to use technology to make legal services and information more accessible to people, while
exploring responses to threats, such as cybercrime.
Speaking about the meeting, the Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, commended the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania for making exceptional arrangements for the meeting.
Secretary-General Scotland drew attention to the pressing need to close the access to justice gap, which currently affects two-thirds of the world’s population.
She highlighted the detrimental consequences of the lack of people’s access to justice on development, inclusive growth, and conflict prevention.
The Secretary-General continued: “At a time when increasing conflicts are undermining respect for international law, ensuring equal access to justice remains a fundamental precondition for building peace and security for all.”
She said: “Our priority is to help all our member states deliver equal access to justice for all. That requires legal systems which can meet the needs of all.
“The upcoming Commonwealth Law Ministers Meeting offers us a vital platform to discuss the growing threats to the rule of law and find innovative ways to deliver the changes which will guarantee justice for every one of the 2.5 billion people living in our Commonwealth.”
Hon Ambassador Dr Pindi H. Chana, the United Republic of Tanzania’s Minister of Constitutional and Legal Affairs and Chair of the 2024 Commonwealth Law Ministers Meeting, announced the meeting’s details at a press conference in Zanzibar on 26 February 2024.
Addressing journalists, she said: “We expect to get a lot of benefits following this meeting as the topics that will be discussed will help to find the right ways to strengthen and enforce the law and access to human rights.”
The meeting’s four-day agenda will cover a range of topical legal issues, including digital assets, electronic resources for efficient legal systems, access to justice for people with disabilities and developments in climate legislation.
The outcomes from the meeting will shape the agenda for the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa later this year.
The meeting will be held at the Mora Hotel in Zanzibar from 4 to 8 March 2024.
Tanzania Sets to Host Commonwealth Law Ministers Meeting- Scotland
NDLEA Secures 974 Drug Convictions in Three Months, 11 Kingpins Bag 254 Years in Prison
By: Michael Mike
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has recorded a major breakthrough in its anti-narcotics campaign, securing 974 convictions across the country within the first quarter of 2026, including 11 high-profile drug traffickers who collectively received 254 years in prison sentences.
Data released by the agency showed that between January and March 2026, a total of 974 offenders were convicted and sentenced for drug-related offences. Of this figure, 899 were male and 75 female convicts. Monthly breakdown indicates 265 convictions in January, 316 in February, and 393 in March, reflecting a steady escalation in enforcement outcomes.
Among those convicted are 11 identified drug kingpins whose cases were prosecuted across various divisions of the Federal High Court nationwide, following NDLEA operations targeting trafficking networks and illicit drug distribution chains.
One of the most prominent convictions involved Italy-based businessman, Adegbite Solomon, also known as “Obama,” who was sentenced by the Federal High Court in Lagos to a cumulative 130 years in prison after being found guilty on a 15-count charge. The court also ordered the revocation of his pharmacy licence, forfeiture of two pharmacy outlets, and the seizure of funds in multiple bank accounts to the Federal Government.
In another case, 32-year-old Ridwan Animashaun was handed a 25-year sentence by the Federal High Court in Ibadan, Oyo State. The convict had previously been jailed for a related drug offence in 2022, marking him as a repeat offender.
Similarly, two traffickers, Rauf Asogba and Seun Olaniyi, received 17-year prison terms each from the Federal High Court in Abeokuta, Ogun State, after being convicted for trafficking 1,779 kilograms of cannabis (skunk).
Other notable convictions include Jonathan Nuhu, also known as “Doctor,” sentenced to 15 years in Kano, and Idris Yusuf, who received a 15-year term in Damaturu, Yobe State, alongside an additional eight-year sentence from a related case.
Several others across different jurisdictions were handed seven-year sentences for various drug trafficking offences, underscoring what authorities describe as an intensified nationwide crackdown.
Reacting to the development, the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd), described the outcome as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s ongoing war against illicit drugs.
He said the conviction of nearly 1,000 offenders within three months sends a strong warning to drug cartels and traffickers operating in the country.
“Securing 974 convictions in just three months reflects the determination of our officers and the declining tolerance of the Nigerian state for drug merchants. The combined 254-year sentences handed to these kingpins show clearly that impunity in the drug trade is no longer sustainable,” Marwa stated.
He commended the judiciary for what he described as swift and decisive adjudication of drug cases, stressing that timely justice remains a key deterrent to organised criminal networks.
Marwa also praised NDLEA operatives for their operational courage and professionalism, pledging continued investment in their welfare and operational capacity.
He further called on Nigerians to support ongoing efforts by providing credible intelligence, noting that community cooperation remains vital in dismantling drug trafficking networks.
The agency reiterated its commitment to sustaining pressure on drug cartels through arrests, prosecution, and asset forfeiture, as part of a broader national strategy to curb substance abuse and protect vulnerable populations.
NDLEA Secures 974 Drug Convictions in Three Months, 11 Kingpins Bag 254 Years in Prison
Troops arrest suspected cattle rustler in Benue
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops under Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have arrested a suspected cattle rustler in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State.
Security sources said the suspect was apprehended at about 4:20 p.m. on April 15, 2026, at Anule community.
According to the sources, troops of Sector 1 OPWS deployed in the area arrested the suspect during ongoing security operations.
The suspect is currently in custody, while further investigation is underway to determine possible links to cattle rustling activities in the area.
Troops arrest suspected cattle rustler in Benue
Troops arrest suspected terrorist, recover motorcycle in Benue
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops under Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have arrested a suspected terrorist during an operation in Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue State.
Security sources said the operation was carried out at about 5:19 p.m. on April 15, 2026, following intelligence on the presence of a suspected criminal hiding in Tse Atu community.
According to the sources, troops of Sector 1 OPWS deployed at Anguhah and Umbagbo swiftly responded and conducted a targeted operation in the area.
During the operation, one suspect was apprehended, while a motorcycle believed to be linked to the suspect was also recovered.
The suspect and the recovered item are currently in custody, while further investigation is ongoing to ascertain the suspect’s involvement in criminal activities.
Troops arrest suspected terrorist, recover motorcycle in Benue
NDLEA Secures 974 Drug Convictions in Three Months, 11 Kingpins Bag 254 Years in Prison
Joint security forces discover and destroy IEDs during patrol in Imo State
Jos: Living in Conflicts and Crisis for a Quarter of a Century: Where Peace Became Paranormal Stranger (2)
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